Obama supports new FDA rule on morning-after pill

May 2, 2013
|

President Obama speaks during a joint press conference offered with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto (out of frame) after their bilateral meeting, at the National Palace in Mexico City on May 2, 2013. / MANDEL NGAN AFP/Getty Images

by Aamer Madhani, USA TODAY

by Aamer Madhani, USA TODAY

President Obama on Thursday said he supports a decision by the Food and Drug Administration to allow girls aged 15 and older to buy the morning-after pill without a prescription.

"I'm very comfortable with the decision they've made right now, based on scientific evidence," Obama said during a news conference in Mexico City.

On Tuesday, the Food and Drug Administration changed its rules, allowing for anyone 15 or older could begin buying one brand, Plan B One-Step, without a prescription - two years younger than the current age limit of 17.

Obama and Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius previously supported setting the age limit at 17 to be able to buy the pill without a prescription.

"The first time around where there were no age restrictions, Secretary Sebelius expressed concerns and I supported those concerns," Obama explained. "The rule that has been put forward by the FDA, Secretary Sebelius has reviewed. She is comfortable with it. I'm comfortable with it."

The Justice Department filed notice late Wednesday that it will challenge a federal court decision requiring the government to make emergency contraceptives available over the counter to women of all ages.